Are you experiencing DNS errors on your hosting server and wondering why your site is showing a “DNS not found” error message? If so, you’re not alone. DNS errors can cause frustration for website owners and prevent visitors from accessing your site.
Understanding the root cause of DNS errors is essential to fixing the issue and getting your website back online. In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes of DNS errors and provide expert tips for troubleshooting and resolving the problem.
Don’t let DNS errors keep your website down. Keep reading to learn more about how to fix DNS errors and keep your site up and running.
Understanding DNS Errors
When you encounter a DNS error on your hosting server, it can be frustrating and confusing. However, understanding what a DNS error is and how it works can help you resolve the issue quickly. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses. Essentially, it acts as a phonebook for the internet, connecting users to the correct website they are trying to access.
A DNS error occurs when your server is unable to complete the DNS lookup process. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a misconfiguration in your server’s DNS settings or a problem with your internet service provider. It can also occur if the DNS server you are trying to connect to is experiencing issues or is offline. Understanding the root cause of the error can help you fix the issue faster and prevent it from happening again in the future.
There are several types of DNS errors, including “DNS server not responding” and “DNS server unavailable.” These errors can occur on any device that connects to the internet, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Familiarizing yourself with these errors and their potential causes can help you troubleshoot the issue and get back online quickly.
What is DNS?
If you’re encountering DNS errors, it’s important to understand what DNS is and how it works. DNS stands for Domain Name System and it’s responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Simply put, it’s like a phonebook for the internet. When you enter a URL into your web browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to find the IP address associated with that domain name.
- DNS hierarchy: DNS is organized in a hierarchical structure, with the root at the top, followed by top-level domains, second-level domains, and so on.
- DNS records: DNS records store information about domain names and their associated IP addresses. There are different types of DNS records, including A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, and TXT records.
- DNS caching: DNS caching allows DNS servers to store information about recently accessed domain names and their IP addresses. This helps to speed up the process of resolving domain names.
- DNS resolution: DNS resolution is the process of finding the IP address associated with a domain name. This involves querying DNS servers until the correct IP address is found.
- DNS propagation: When changes are made to DNS records, it can take some time for those changes to propagate to all DNS servers around the world.
- DNS spoofing: DNS spoofing is a type of cyber attack where a malicious actor alters the DNS records of a domain name, redirecting traffic to a different website.
In summary, DNS is an essential part of how the internet works, allowing us to access websites by domain name rather than IP address. Understanding how DNS works can help you troubleshoot DNS errors and ensure a faster and more reliable internet experience.
How do DNS Errors Occur?
Incorrect Configuration: One of the common reasons for DNS errors is an incorrect configuration of DNS settings. This could be caused by an error in the domain registrar’s settings, an incorrect entry in the DNS zone file, or an issue with the DNS server configuration.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues: Another cause of DNS errors can be problems with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This can include issues with their DNS servers, routing problems, or issues with your Internet connection.
Malware or Firewall: Malware or firewall software can also cause DNS errors by blocking or interfering with DNS requests. This can prevent your computer from accessing the correct DNS server, leading to DNS errors.
If you are experiencing DNS errors, it is important to identify the root cause of the problem to resolve it effectively. In the next section, we will discuss how to troubleshoot DNS errors and identify their causes.
Common Causes of DNS Errors
Incorrect DNS Settings: Incorrect or outdated DNS settings can cause DNS errors, including typos or incorrect IP addresses. Make sure you have the correct settings and update them regularly to avoid errors.
Internet Service Provider Issues: DNS errors can also be caused by issues with your internet service provider. For example, your ISP’s DNS server may be down or slow, causing DNS resolution issues.
Firewall or Security Software: Your firewall or security software can also cause DNS errors by blocking DNS requests or blocking communication with the DNS server. Make sure to configure your security software properly to avoid DNS errors.
Incorrect DNS Settings
DNS servers not responding: One of the most common causes of DNS errors is when the DNS servers fail to respond. This can happen when the DNS server is down or when there is a problem with your internet connection.
Incorrect DNS server addresses: If the DNS server addresses entered in your computer or router settings are incorrect, your computer won’t be able to connect to the internet. Double-check the DNS server addresses to ensure they are correct.
Expired DNS cache: Your computer’s DNS cache stores information about previously visited websites to speed up future visits. However, if the DNS cache becomes outdated, it can cause DNS errors. Clearing the cache can help resolve this issue.
How to Troubleshoot DNS Errors
Check Your Network Connection: The first step in troubleshooting DNS errors is to check your network connection. Make sure your device is connected to the internet, and check your router or modem to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Clear Your DNS Cache: If you’re experiencing DNS errors, clearing your DNS cache can often fix the problem. You can do this by running the command “ipconfig /flushdns” on Windows or “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” on macOS.
Disable Your Firewall or Antivirus: Sometimes, firewalls or antivirus software can block access to the DNS servers, causing errors. Try disabling these programs temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
Contact Your Hosting Provider: If you’ve tried the above steps and are still experiencing DNS errors, it’s possible there’s an issue with your hosting provider’s DNS servers. Contact their support team to see if they can help resolve the issue.
Flush DNS Cache
One of the first things to try when troubleshooting DNS errors is to flush your DNS cache. Your computer stores DNS information to speed up the browsing process, but sometimes the information becomes outdated or corrupt. Flushing the DNS cache removes this stored information and forces your computer to request fresh DNS information from the server.
To flush your DNS cache on Windows, open Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter. On Mac, open Terminal and type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press enter. This simple step can often fix DNS errors.
It’s important to note that flushing the DNS cache does not always work for all DNS errors, especially if the problem is caused by an issue with the DNS server or your network connection. However, it’s a quick and easy step that’s worth trying before moving on to more complex troubleshooting methods.
Additionally, you can also try resetting your router to clear any issues with your network connection that may be causing DNS errors. Simply unplug your router, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. This can often help to resolve network-related issues that may be causing DNS errors.
Preventing DNS Errors in the Future
Choose a Reliable DNS Provider: A reliable DNS provider can help you to prevent DNS errors from happening in the future. Research and choose a DNS provider with a good reputation for uptime and performance.
Monitor Your DNS: Regularly monitoring your DNS can help you detect and fix problems before they become serious. Use a monitoring tool to check your DNS settings, zone files, and name servers for errors.
Implement Redundancy: To prevent a single point of failure, consider implementing redundancy for your DNS. This can involve having multiple name servers, using a secondary DNS provider, or using a load balancer to distribute traffic among several DNS servers.
Choose a Reliable DNS Provider
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent DNS errors is to choose a reliable DNS provider. Here are some tips:
- Research different DNS providers before making a decision. Look for providers with good reputations and high uptime rates.
- Consider using a secondary DNS provider as a backup in case the primary provider experiences issues.
- Choose a provider with advanced security features to protect against DDoS attacks and other malicious activity.
- Look for a provider with a global network of servers to ensure fast and reliable access from anywhere in the world.
- Consider a provider that offers 24/7 support in case you need assistance with configuration or troubleshooting.
- Check the provider’s pricing plans and make sure they align with your budget and needs.
By choosing a reliable DNS provider, you can help ensure that your website and other online services remain accessible to users without interruption.
Monitor DNS Performance
DNS performance monitoring involves tracking and analyzing the speed and availability of DNS servers. One way to monitor DNS performance is to use specialized software that tests the response time of DNS servers, which can help identify any slowdowns or outages.
Another option is to use a managed DNS service, which provides detailed analytics and reporting on DNS performance, as well as proactive monitoring and alerting when issues arise. This can help you quickly identify and resolve any DNS errors before they impact your website or applications.
Regularly monitoring DNS performance is crucial to ensure that your website or application is always accessible to users. By detecting and fixing DNS errors quickly, you can prevent downtime and maintain a positive user experience.
Expert Tips for Resolving DNS Errors
Use a DNS Checker Tool: A DNS checker tool can help you identify and diagnose any DNS errors that may be occurring. These tools can provide detailed reports that can help you pinpoint the root cause of the problem.
Check for Network Connectivity Issues: DNS errors can also occur due to network connectivity issues. Ensure that your network connection is stable and that there are no connectivity issues. You can use a ping test or traceroute to help identify any connectivity issues.
Update Firmware and Software: Outdated firmware or software can also cause DNS errors. Make sure to keep your firmware and software up-to-date to prevent any potential DNS issues.
Contact Your DNS Provider: If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact your DNS provider for support. They can help you troubleshoot and resolve any DNS errors that you may be experiencing.
Restart DNS Client Service
DNS client service is a built-in feature in Windows that translates domain names into IP addresses. If you are experiencing DNS errors, try restarting the DNS client service.
To restart the DNS client service on Windows:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- Scroll down and find “DNS Client” in the list of services.
- Right-click on “DNS Client” and select “Restart”.
- Wait for the service to restart and then try browsing the web again.
Restarting the DNS client service can help clear any issues that may have caused the DNS error, such as outdated or corrupted cache.
Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can also cause DNS errors. If you suspect that this is the case, you should update your network adapter drivers. You can do this in several ways:
- Automatic updates: Most operating systems have an option to automatically update drivers. Check your settings to ensure that this option is enabled.
- Manufacturer website: You can also download the latest drivers from the website of your network adapter’s manufacturer.
- Device Manager: Another way to update drivers is through the Device Manager. Right-click on the network adapter and select “Update Driver”.
- Third-party software: There are also third-party software programs that can help you update your drivers.
After updating your network adapter drivers, restart your computer and see if the DNS errors have been resolved.
Disable DNS Prefetching
If you are still experiencing DNS errors, another possible solution is to disable DNS prefetching. DNS prefetching is a browser feature that proactively resolves DNS queries for links on a web page, in an effort to speed up page loading times. However, in some cases, DNS prefetching can lead to conflicts and errors.
To disable DNS prefetching in Google Chrome, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Open Chrome and click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen. |
| Step 2 | Select Settings from the dropdown menu. |
| Step 3 | Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced. |
| Step 4 | Under the Privacy and security section, click Content settings. |
| Step 5 | Scroll down to the Privacy section and click Use a prediction service to load pages more quickly. |
| Step 6 | Toggle the switch to the off position to disable DNS prefetching. |
If you are using a different web browser, consult the browser’s documentation or search for instructions on how to disable DNS prefetching in that browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hosting server DNS?
A hosting server DNS (Domain Name System) is the system that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and other resources on the internet.
How do I check if my hosting server DNS is working?
You can check if your hosting server DNS is working by performing a DNS lookup using a tool like nslookup or dig. If the lookup returns the correct IP address, then your DNS is working. You can also check if other websites hosted on the same server are accessible, which can help identify if the issue is specific to your domain or the entire server.
What can cause a hosting server DNS to not be found?
A hosting server DNS may not be found due to incorrect DNS settings, DNS server downtime, network connectivity issues, expired domain registration or a misconfigured firewall.
How can I fix a hosting server DNS not found issue?
You can fix a hosting server DNS not found issue by checking and updating your DNS settings, ensuring that the DNS server is up and running, renewing your domain registration, or configuring your firewall to allow DNS traffic.
What should I do if the hosting server DNS issue persists?
If the hosting server DNS issue persists, you can contact your hosting provider’s support team for assistance. They can help you diagnose and resolve the issue, which may involve troubleshooting your DNS settings, checking the DNS server logs or restarting the server.